How in the world can I possibly change the world? people ask. Here’s the amazing thing about all of this--the most radical act could in fact be this undertaking and practice of basic respect and co-creating. All it takes it the willingness to risk, to flail a bit and course-correct when old habits pop back up, gentleness, and a commitment to co-creation in service to a larger goal--inhabiting the world, and these lives, together.

Shifting from the old power dynamic in a family to one of co-creation? I'll be honest: It’s tricky. And challenging. And a far lengthier blog post. But in short, it works something like this: drop your own judgements first, and start (respectfully) speaking into what you need, and then drop your judgements again, and invite others to (respectfully) speak into their needs, too.

My house, my rules. There is an alternative: let go of the power dynamics, and start co-creating. It looks something like this: Let me be crystal clear: everyone deserves respect. However, compliance and respect are different. True respect is not about hierarchy.

What do you love with a wide open heart? What you love--what you know you are devoted to--is something that is just for you. The first answers to this question of what you love might be “My children,” or “My husband/partner/friends.”